BR+E Summary

A Business Retention and Expansion Study (BR&E) is an economic development initiative that proactively connects with local businesses to understand and respond to their needs. The BR&E Study, led by Strexer Harrop and Associates, began in March 2021 with support from Town staff and the Business Recovery Task Force. A total of 98 businesses were contacted throughout the BR&E Study, with 31 businesses participating in the survey and one-on-one interviews. The survey identified that the top advantage for businesses in Town is proximity to the waterfront. The most significant change that businesses would like to see is the revitalization of the downtown. Kitchen and restaurant staff are among the top occupations that businesses have trouble recruiting. A summary of the key statistics from the survey has been provided in Appendix 1 to the BR&E Study. The outcome of the Study is a series of action items that will be implemented in the Town to support local businesses. The Study will serve as a guiding document for future studies, programs, and policies as they relate to business development in the Town of Penetanguishene.